DIDCOT, England — British Baptist leaders recently asked churches not to allow their buildings to be used for same-sex “marriage” ceremonies in order to avoid division in the Church.
Baptist Union of Great Britain approved a statement mid-March recognizing both “areas of genuine and deep disagreement” and “the potential for some diversity in pastor and missional practice” among member churches in regards to homosexuality.
The council said, “In the light of this, recognizing the costs involved and after careful and prayerful reflection and listening, we humbly urge churches who are considering conducting same-sex ‘marriages’ to refrain from doing so out of mutual respect. At the same time, we also humbly urge all churches to remain committed to our union out of mutual respect; trusting that the One who unites us is stronger than what divides us.”
A 2015 law, which legalized same-sex “marriage,” also ensured no clergy could be compelled to solemnize a gay ceremony and includes an “opt in” provision for religious groups to voluntarily register their place of worship as open to same-sex couples desiring a church wedding, according to Baptist News Global.
(TAB)
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